[Klorox]

Hmm. Well, here's an update by me (and yes, it proves that it works):

As y'all probably know, I'm into smaller parties, 4 people is my favorite.

I've got my Deep Gnome Monk Decoy level 13, my Female Drow Druid 1/Cleric (Lathander)11, my Male Drow is a Rogue 1/Cleric (Bane)1/Transmuter 10, and I have an Aasimar Paladin 2/Sorcerer 12.

I'm currently in Dragon's Eye (Just got that Sword of Myrlock's Vale on the 3rd floor).

These characters all stayed at these levels for quite some time, and I plan on keeping them there as long as I can. I just levelled my Druid/Cleric up to Druid 1/Cleric 17 because that's as high a level in Cleric as I want her to be. I could still handle things well, and could've pushed even farther. My 3rd character will level-up directly to Transmuter 20 if I can hold out that far, because that's how far I want him to go. The Monk and Sorc/Pal will hold out for as long as possible as well.

I will level them all up before the final battle, no matter what.

The reason I conclude that it does really help is that you usually finish the game at level 17 or 18 I'm told. Well, I have one character who is total level 18 right now, and I have a long way to go in the game.